ASTRO 103 SYLLABUS : Spring 2007
The Evolving Universe: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology

OUTLINE: The course is divided into three sections entitled: I. An Astronomical Framework; II. From Stars to Quasars; and III. Cosmology. Each section concludes with an exam. A schedule is posted on the web at www.astro.wisc.edu/~mab/education/astro103/lectures.html; it contains a detailed listing of lectures, readings, and dates for quizzes and exams.

LECTURES   are designed to explain difficult concepts, expand on the reading material, and to introduce topics not covered in the book. You are responsible for all material presented in the lectures. At the end of most lectures I will give one or two multiple-choice questions and ask you to answer them. This is the only time the questions will be discussed. These same questions make up part of the exams; some will appear on the mid-terms and some on the final exam. Although the class size is large, you are encouraged to ask questions during the lectures. This is your opportunity, so take it!

Lecture notes are on-line , and generally will be posted well before the day of class so you can print them out beforehand. Note: Up to the day of class these notes may be modified. They are there to allow you to prepare, listen and participate in class, i.e. to minimize lengthy note taking. Also use them to study for exams. These notes are outlines only and do not replace the lectures.

DISCUSSION SECTIONS   are designed to allow you to ask in-depth questions on course material, and to permit us to present demonstrations and give you further explanation of difficult concepts. In addition, these sections will be used to discuss web-based reading and to hold quizzes based on this and other course material. Sessions prior to the mid-terms exams also will be used to review for the exam. A thorough understanding of the course material and good performance in this course requires you attend discussion sections.

READING   required for this course is primarily from the course textbook. There may also be reading assigned from the web. These assignments will be given in class or in discussion sections, and posted on the course web page. You are responsible for all of the assigned material for exams and quizzes. Your best strategy will be to do the assigned reading prior to the week the material is discussed. This will allow you to ask questions on material you do not understand.

The textbook for the class is Astronomy Today, Volume II: Stars and Galaxies by Eric Chaisson and Steve McMillan (5th Ed.), available at the UW Bookstore and Underground Textbook Exchange, and possibly other locations. Used versions of this book are acceptable as long as they are 4th edition; the accompanying CD is not required. You are expected to read a large fraction of the book over the course of the semester. The specific readings (chapters and sections) are detailed in the attached schedule. Note that the reading load is heaviest earlier in the semester. The book is well organized to help you study; learn how to use it effectively.

Optional problems ( NB: optional -- no extra credit! ) are listed on the home page; these can also be reviewed upon request during discussion sections or office hours. All of these problems provide good review and practice for the exams.

QUIZZES: Seven (7) quizzes will be given during discussion sections for the weeks listed on the lectures page: www.astro.wisc.edu/~mab/education/astro103/lectures.html. These quizzes will be based primarily on on-line reading material, but will also draw on lectures, discussion, and the primary text. The quizzes will consist of 2-5 multiple choice questions, and will count for 10% of your final course grade. You will be given 10 minutes for each quiz. NO MAKEUP QUIZZES are given except in the case of medical emergencies documented by a physician's note.

EXAMS: Two (2) mid-terms and one (1) final exam will be given. All exams consist of multiple-choice questions based on material covered in lectures and readings. Some questions may be based on the assigned web-based reading reviewed in discussion sections. There will be 50 questions on the mid-terms and 70 questions on the final. The first mid-term exam is worth 25% of your grade; the second mid-term exam is worth 30% of your grade. The final exam will count for 35% of your grade. NO EXAMS CAN BE DROPPED. NO MAKEUP TESTS are given for exams except in the case of medical emergencies documented by a physician's note.

Mid-term exam dates:	Wednesday, February 21 2007 (Exam 1, Lectures 1 & 3) Wednesday, April 18 2007 (Exam 2, Lectures 1 & 3)
Final exam dates:	Lecture 1: Monday, May 14 2007, 10:05 AM to 12:05 PM Lecture 3: Thursday, May 17 2007, 2:45 PM to 4:45 PM

The final exam will cover material for the entire semester, as well as serve as the test for the last portion of the course on cosmology. A discussion period prior to each exam is devoted to review and questions you may have on the material. This review is designed to help you prepare for the test.

GRADES: Your final course grade will be determined by the two mid-term grades (combined for 55%), quizzes (10%), and the final exam (35%).

OFFICE HOURS: You are strongly encouraged to come to our office hours for help with the course material, or to ask any questions you may have about astronomy & astrophysics. If you cannot make appointed times, please make an appointment.